So far, seven people have picked up petitions from the Lawrence County Board of Elections to run for mayor of Ironton this year.

Bob Cleary, council member and former mayor, Katrina Keith, Ironton benefit specialist and member of Ironton aLive; Jim Tordiff, former Dawson-Bryant treasurer and mayor; Aaron Bollinger, council member and detective with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office; Charles “Duke” Sheridan, who announced in a letter to the editor published on Feb. 19 that he would not run due to health reasons; David Bush; and Donald Roberts may run for office.

“I picked up a petition in January and have been in the process of getting signatures so that I can turn it in,” Cleary said. “I don’t think I’ll turn it in until the end of July, but I’m getting it filled out and have intentions at this point of running. I’ve been involved in the city as a council member, mayor or vice mayor for about the last 26 years. With the experience that I bring to the table, I don’t think there’s anything that I haven’t dealt with. I feel like I can step in right away as mayor and keep the city going the right way.”

Tordiff has experience in the mayor’s office as well as many other city positions.

“The city has been in my blood,” he said. “I’ve worked for the city for a long time. I started in the recreation department in 1972 and have worked in the water works office, been an account clerk, assistant finance director, council member and mayor. Other than when I went to Ohio State, I’ve lived in Ironton my whole life. I feel like I’m qualified to be considered for election for mayor.”

Keith has been involved with the city for 13 years.

“I’ve had the opportunity to serve the residents of Ironton for the past 13 years, beginning in the mayor’s office as John Elam’s executive assistant, then as the benefit specialist in 2008,” she said. “I’ve had the privilege of seeing great progress happen over the last 13 years. I just feel compelled in my heart to run for the mayoral office. I love Ironton and its residents. We are Appalachian culture. That’s not a negative term. It means that we are resourceful, we are strong, we are survivors. We are a community that comes together to make sure we continue to move forward.”

A voicemail left with Bollinger was not returned by press time. Contact information for Bush and Roberts were unavailable.

Petitions will 300 valid signatures but not more than 400 must be turned in to the board of elections by Aug. 5.